Alisha – our Creative Director – answers questions frequently asked of Hummingbird Hall’s staff.
Are the pictures real or has creative photography / photoshop / airbrushing been at work?
Are there any hidden extras / nasty surprises?
Can We Use Pimlico (Hummingbird Hall’s resident dog) as our ring bearer?!
Can we use the vintage car in our photographs?
What about if it rains / is too hot?
My Aunt in [ insert town here ] has never heard of you, are you sure you exist?
May we please have a cake tasting?
We have eclectic taste – can your DJ accommodate us?
Can we see a mockup of our centrepieces?
Wedding planning is meant to be stressful, right?! WHY AM I NOT STRESSED?!!!
How many weddings do you do a day?
Do we get a reduction on our ten year anniversary!?
What is Hummingbird Hall’s capacity for weddings and events?
How long before our wedding should we book?
Are children welcome at Hummingbird Hall weddings?
Do we need a separate Wedding Planner?
I have a large group – do you have relationships with other hotels and villas?
We would like to have a wedding that impacts Jamaica, how can we do this?
Is there a set time that Hummingbird Hall weddings have to begin?
Are Jamaican weddings legally valid in America / England / Canada / Japan?
Do we need to get blood tests to marry in Jamaica?
How long will it take before we get our wedding certificate?
How do we get to Hummingbird Hall?
We are having a rather last minute wedding, can we rent dresses and suits in Jamaica?
I have family in Jamaica – can we just hire the venue and do everything else ourselves?
Can we use our own photographer / dj / videographer / baker?
How long do we have to be in Jamaica before we can get married?
Would you get married at Hummingbird Hall Alisha?!
Are the pictures real or has creative photography/photoshop/airbrushing been at work?
* Laughs *
Yes – we can assure you that we are not too good to be true – everything you see is real. If you would like to see what our clients have said, please do check our Fanmail page, Facebook group or Wedding Wire reviews.
Are there any hidden extras / nasty surprises?
Absolutely not.
Our surprises are pleasant – the views for instance, or the actual beauty of your wedding.
Really?
Really!
You are on the Rose Hall Estate, right? Legend has it that it’s haunted by Annie Palmer – any recent sightings?
* Laughs *
We are yet to see her, and she certainly has not disrupted any weddings or retreats!
Can We Use Pimlico (Hummingbird Hall’s resident dog) as our ring bearer?!
Unfortunately his agent will not allow it…
Can we use the vintage car in our photographs?
Cooyah (yes – we have named the car) is currently out of commission, she should be back in action next year for all photographic demands
What about if it rains / is too hot?
We have a covering.
My Aunt in [ insert town here ] has never heard of you, are you sure you exist?
Please ask your aunt to come by and visit us in person!
May we please have a cake tasting?
Sure – cake tastings cost US$25 for a 6 inch cake.
We have eclectic taste – can your DJ accommodate us?
Sure – please do give us a list of your favourite music genres, or the songs that you would like played.
Can we see a mockup of our centrepieces?
We provide artist sketches of your entire concept.
There is an extra charge if you would like a mocked up centrepiece ‘in the flesh’ before your wedding.
Wedding planning is meant to be stressful, right?! WHY AM I NOT STRESSED?!!!
At Hummingbird Hall our processes and staff are so efficient that the stress of planning a wedding – even a destination wedding – is removed.
However, for those who feel that stress MUST feature in their wedding planning, we recommend The Little Book of Stress by Rohan Candappa 
How many weddings do you do a day?
We have a strict one wedding per day policy.
Do we get a reduction on our ten year anniversary!?
Absolutely!
What are your payment terms?
10% reserves the day [non refundable]
50% up to 3 months prior to the wedding
40% up to one month prior to the wedding
A refundable cash damage deposit is also payable up to 2 weeks prior to your wedding. This will be refunded immediately following your wedding assuming no damage.
What is Hummingbird Hall’s capacity for weddings and events?
Hummingbird Hall’s Lagoon Deck can accommodate 130 persons.
Hummingbird Hall’s Firefly Terrace can accommodate up to 25 persons.
Hummingbird Hall’s Sunburst Room has a capacity of 15 persons (seated, more for cocktails).
The non undulating areas of Hummingbird Hall’s gardens can accommodate up to 50 persons for a ceremony (more for informal cookouts).
We do not host events for more than 130 persons at Hummingbird Hall, though if you do have a large event our Starfish Event Design Service will be more than happy to assist.
How long before our wedding should we book?
Ideally as soon as possible. We take bookings up to 2 and a half years in advance. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to secure the day you want (weekends are fiercely sought after). We require a 10% [non refundable] deposit to secure the day. However, if you have your hearts set on a particular wedding date, it is important that you contact us as soon as possible. We will, if necessary, pencil your date in and give you first right of refusal should it be requested.
Are children welcome at Hummingbird Hall weddings?
Absolutely!
Our Children’s Tables and Centrepieces are legendary!
We offer complimentary DVD movies and popcorn for our younger guests.
A Babysitting Service, Children’s Entertainer, Magician and BounceAbout are also options which kids (and adults!) are captivated by.
We also host Children’s Birthday Parties and Baby Showers.
Do we need a separate Wedding Planner?
No, our in house Wedding Planners can take care of all of your needs and can even liaise with outside wedding vendors on your behalf.
In fact, the Hummingbird Hall staff are a step beyond conventional Wedding Planners. Our team of artists and decorators, led by our Creative Director, creates a unique wedding concept for each couple. With backgrounds in the arts and design, and experience and expertise, we offer far more than the conventional wedding planner!
I have a large group – do you have relationships with other hotels and villas?
Yes, for those who would like something different than our on site rooms, we do have relationships with hotels and villas in the area and can often negotiate preferential rates.
You may also consider hiring Hummingbird Hall in its entirety which can accommodate between 14 and 20, depending on sleeping arrangements.
We would like to have a wedding that impacts Jamaica, how can we do this?
Great!
We have links with Melody House Children’s Home who would appreciate any donations or volunteers.
Volunteering is often a wonderful “feel good” pre or post wedding activity to share the love!
We are also and twinned with a number of environmental projects in the area. Please do ask for more information.
In addition, purchasing wedding favors from ethical Jamaican companies such as Island Blend, and hosting your tropical Jamaican wedding at Hummingbird Hall impacts Jamaica positively. Yah Man!
Is there a set time that Hummingbird Hall weddings have to begin?
No.
Are Jamaican weddings legally valid in America / England / Canada / Japan?
Yes, most definitely. However if English is not the primary language of your home country, you may need to get your documents translated and certified.
Do we need to get blood tests to marry in Jamaica?
No blood tests are required to get married in Jamaica.
How long will it take before we get our wedding certificate?
We will courier your wedding certificates to you within 6 weeks of your wedding. You will however be legally married from the moment you sign the Marriage Register at Hummingbird Hall.
How do we get to Hummingbird Hall?
If coming from Montego Bay airport, take the first exit (ie road to Ocho Rios). We are located in the Elegant Corridor area of Rose Hall. Drive past hotels such as the Holiday Inn Sunspree, Coyaba, Ritz Carlton Rose Hall, Half Moon and Palmyra on your left. After around 15 minutes you will reach the gates of the Rose Hall Great House on your left, Shoppes at Rose Hall on your right. Hummingbird Hall is through the gates of the Rose Hall Great House. Please ask Security for directions to Hummingbird Hall from the Main Gate.
We are having a rather last minute wedding, can we rent dresses and suits in Jamaica?
Sure. You can get everything you need (even great duty free rings at great prices) in Jamaica.
I have family in Jamaica – can we just hire the venue and do everything else ourselves?
You may hire the venue, however you are obliged to use Hummingbird Hall’s staff at a rate of US$35 per staff member. You may only use caterers whom we approve of and you may not use an outside bar service. We are very protective of our reputation and are so are careful of the vendors who we permit to operate on site.
Can we use our own photographer / dj / videographer / baker?
Sure!
How long do we have to be in Jamaica before we can get married?
Couples who wish to marry in Jamaica must be in Jamaica for at least 24 hours prior to their wedding. Same day cruise ship weddings are an exception to this, however.
Would you get married at Hummingbird Hall Alisha?!
If and when – DEFINITELY!
